Moving: Making it Easier on Your Kids

Moving is a stressful event no matter how old you are, but children often feel as though their entire world is turning upside down when they face a move. Parents often forget how much of their children’s security is wrapped up in their home, bedroom, and routine, and a move shakes up all of those secure places. You can help your child through a move by helping them understand the process and reassuring their fears.

Start by conversing with your children about the move. Tell them where you will be moving, why the move is necessary, and what good things there will be at the new home. They will have questions about the move, so answering them truthfully. The more open and honest you are with your children, the better able to handle the process they will be.

As you start looking for a home, take your children along if they are old enough to handle it. This will help them feel as though they have some say in the decision-making process. It will also help them feel comfortable in the new home when you are done, because they will have seen it and had the opportunity to imagine their new bedroom.

If your children are preschool age or younger, make sure they understand what you are doing when you begin to pack their things. Seeing their toys go into a big box can be quite traumatic, and many children mistakenly assume you are throwing away their prized possessions. Instead, make sure they understand that the toys must be packed so they can make it safely to the new house. If possible, allow the children to help pack, giving them the opportunity to wrap up special toys safely.

Consider allowing the child to have a suitcase to place special toys in that will be kept out of the boxes. These toys can be played with up until the day of the move, when the suitcase is closed and brought to the new house. Again, this gives them a measure of control over the moving process.

For elementary and high school children, do not forget to consider the school year. If you move a child in the middle of the school year, he may have to switch schools and miss out on extra-curricular activities. Consider moving in the summer months to avoid these problems. If you must move in the school year, talk with both schools about the transfer process.

Finally, make sure you give your children a little extra leeway to act out during the moving process. As an adult, you likely feel the stress of the move, and your children do too. Be as patient as possible with your kids, and soon you will all be settled into your new home.